Imre lakatos

Imre Lakatos (1922-1974)

  • Early Life

    Imre Lakatos was born in Debrecen, Hungary on November 9, 1922. He had a rough childhood because his mother and grandmother were taken and died at Auschwitz. He was a communist during World War II and had to change his last name twice to prevent being persecuted. He left Hungary to travel to Vienna and eventually made his way to England.
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    Education

    He earned his degree in mathematics, physics, and philosophy at the University of Debrecen. Only 4 years later he received his PhD at Debrecen University. In 1961, he received his doctorate in philosophy at the University of Cambridge. Source
  • Proofs and Refutations

    Proofs and Refutations
    In Lakatos' "Proof and Refutations," a four-part series published between 1963 and 1964, he argues that mathematics is not perfect and that proofs and refutations are not absolute. Source
  • Popper on Demarcation and Induction

    In his paper, Lakatos cites an example in which Popper’s falsificationism seems to be falsified. The criticism of Lakatos's work brought forth in this paper caused a deterioration in the relationship between Lakatos and Popper. Source
  • Death

    At the age of 51, Lakatos died from a heart attack. This left most of his work unfinished.
  • The Lakatos Award

    The Lakatos Award, endowed by the Latsis Foundation, is awarded for an outstanding contribution to the philosophy of science. The winner receives a medal and is able to give a speech about the work they entered. Source